Solution and method for treating organic waste

ABSTRACT

An odor control product for treating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors includes about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water. A variation of the product for use in an atomization system includes about 12.5% adipic acid, about 9% alcohol, about 17% vegetable oil, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water. An associated method of treating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors includes the steps of preparing a solution of about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water; and introducing the solution to the waste.

CROSS-REFERENCES

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 10/292,556 filed Nov. 12, 2002, which claims thepriority of provisional application Serial No. 60/354,677, filed Feb. 5,2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field ofwastewater treatment and, more particularly, to a method and apparatusfor dealing with odors emitted by primarily non-agricultural organicwaste.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] The odors generated by and associated with decomposing organicwaste present a continuing issue in many modern day applications. Primeexamples of such applications include portable restroom facilities,sometimes referred to as “port-a-potties” or “port-a-johns”, and greasestorage pits.

[0004] Portable restrooms are used extensively worldwide in a variety ofsettings such as construction sites, sporting events, fairs, and otheroutdoor public events. These restrooms are usually self-containedenclosures that are just large enough for a single person. Portablerestrooms contain a waste storage tank with an opening at its top. Avent tube allows air from the tank to circulate out of the restroom. Atoilet seat is mounted over the tank opening. In some versions, aseparate urinal is mounted on a wall of the restroom with a pipe leadingfrom the urinal to the waste storage tank. Waste is pumped out of thetank once it is filled.

[0005] In certain settings, such as heavily attended sporting events orfairs, waste may accumulate in the tank fairly rapidly, therebyrequiring more frequent pumping. In other settings where usage islighter, the tanks may not be pumped for days or even weeks at a time.In both of these scenarios, a significant amount of waste may accumulatein the tanks producing offensive odors. These odors make further use ofthe restroom particularly unpleasant and unsanitary.

[0006] The portable restroom industry has attempted to address thisissue by introducing various chemicals into the waste storage tank. Themost prevalent of these chemicals is formaldehyde. While formaldehydedoes offset the offensive odors produced by the waste to a degree, itsown smell is not entirely pleasant. In addition, formaldehyde merelycounteracts rather than attacking the mechanisms that create odors inthe waste. Therefore, the initial charge of formaldehyde in the tank canbe overwhelmed by larger amounts of waste unless additional formaldehydeis added to the tank. Furthermore, formaldehyde is thought to be acarcinogen. Therefore, exposure to the fumes generated by formaldehydein an enclosed space, such as the enclosure of a portable restroom,should be minimized.

[0007] Grease storage pits, generally used by restaurants, particularlyfast food restaurants, present another organic waste problemapplication. Large amounts of grease are added daily to these pits,while grease is pumped out of the pits fairly infrequently. The pitenvironment is not conducive to healthy decomposition of the organicwaste in the pit and produces truly offensive odors.

[0008] A method of treating digestible and odiferous waste to minimizeodors without the use of hazardous chemicals in applications such asthose discussed above would be highly desirable.

[0009] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a solution forand method of reducing emission of odiferous gasses from organic wastematerial.

[0011] In accordance with the above aspect of the invention, there isprovided an odor control product for treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors that includes about 12.5% adipic acid,about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.An associated method of treating digestible and odiferous organic wasteto minimize odors includes the steps of preparing a solution of about12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and theremainder water; and introducing the solution to the waste.

[0012] This aspect is merely illustrative of the innumerable aspectsassociated with the present invention and should not be deemed aslimiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and advantagesof the present invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings which illustrate the bestknown mode of carrying out the invention and wherein the same referencenumerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the severalviews.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a portable restroom incorporating asystem for treating digestible and odiferous organic waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A system and/or process according to embodiments of the presentinvention includes introducing a slightly acidic solution in a suitableform into an organic waste holding area. The solution is preferably amixture including adipic acid, alcohol, eucalyptus oil, and water. Therelative percentages of the ingredients in the solution advantageouslyinclude: Adipic acid powder approximately 12.5% Alcohol approximately70% Eucalyptus oil approximately 0.4% Water approximately 17%

[0016] The relative percentages stated above are approximate, andreasonable variations of these percentages are within the scope of theclaimed solution. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used isdenatured ethanol alcohol. The de-natured alcohol is initially 98% andis diluted to approximately 70% in the preferred embodiment. Any alcoholthat allows adipic acid to enter into suspension, such as isophryl, willalso work. In another preferred embodiment, the water is eitherdistilled or de-ionized. A preferred method preparing the odor controlsolution includes first mixing the adipic acid and alcohol. Water isthen added, followed by the eucalyptus oil.

[0017] The chemical name of adipic acid is hexanedioic acid or 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid. It has an empirical formula of C₆H₁₀O₄ and astructural formula of COOH—(CH₂)₄—CCOH. Adipic acid is a white, odorlesscrystalline powder.

[0018] It is theorized that the solution creates an acid/base reactionwith the waste. The solution increases the oxygen-reduction potential ofthe waste and encourages the activity of aerobic bacteria in the waste.As the alcohol component of the solution evaporates and produces vapors,these vapors carry the adipic acid into the head space above the waste.

[0019] The solution is provided in a variety of forms depending on theparticular application. For use in portable restrooms, a concentrate ofthe solution according to the above formula is used. In a preferredembodiment, a light green color dye, for example, a few drops ofstandard food coloring, is added to the concentrate for enhanced visualappearance. Approximately ½ gallon of the concentrate is introduced intothe waste storage tank of the restroom when it is placed in service. Theconcentrate is then diluted with approximately 5 gallons of water.Testing indicates that this initial charge will maintain its efficacyfor 3 weeks or longer before requiring a recharge of the concentrate.

[0020] In urinal applications, the formulation stated above is againused in concentrate form. The concentrate is introduced to the urinal bya chemical injector with each flush at a rate of about 0.2 oz. perflush.

[0021] In an alternate urinal application, adipic acid powder iscrystallized and formed into a block or cake. The block is preferablyabout 12% adipic acid powder, while the remaining elements of the blockare variable but may include deodorants, detergents, water softeners orother desired chemicals.

[0022] A variation of the solution is applied via an atomization systemto the surfaces of livestock holding facilities to control the odorsgenerated by waste deposited thereon. In this embodiment, the followingpercentages of the four primary ingredients in the general solution plusvegetable oil are used to formulate the atomization system solution:Vegetable Oil approximately 17% Water approximately 61% to 72.5% AdipicAcid approximately 1.25% to 12.5% Alcohol approximately 9% EucalyptusOil approximately 0.2%

[0023] These percentages are approximate and reasonable variationstherefrom are acceptable. Particularly good results have been achievedusing a formula of 17.03% corn oil, 72.5% water, 1.25% adipic acid,9.38% ethanol alcohol, and 0.16% eucalyptus oil. Advantageously, thepercentage of adipic acid in the solution can be increased depending onthe nature of odor-generating waste. However, as the percentage ofadipic acid rises above 12.5%, the solution becomes saturated andadditional adipic acid powder does not fully incorporate into thesolution.

[0024] In the atomization system application, the vegetable oil providesa seal over the surface waste to minimize gasses emanating from thewaste. The vegetable oil also serves to reduce dandruff and feed dustsuspended in the air within the livestock storage facility. Thevegetable oil, in addition to its other roles, serves as a barrierbetween the animals and the alcohol in the solution. In a preferredembodiment of the system, the odor control product utilizes corn oil.The adipic acid in the solution reacts with ammonia present in the airof the facility in an acid-base reaction, thereby reducing the level ofammonia in the air. The alcohol serves both as a disinfectant bydestroying bacteria in the air and on the surfaces of the facility andas an antifreeze to prevent the product from freezing in the system. Inthe preferred embodiment of the atomization system, ethanol alcohol isused. Water is added to the product to further dilute the vegetable oil,decreasing the oil's viscosity and aiding atomization of the product. Inthe preferred embodiment, distilled water is used in the odor controlproduct. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the odor controlproduct is blended and then passed through a filter which removesparticles larger than one micron (1μ) in size. This minimizes theoccurrence of clogged nozzles in the atomization system.

[0025] While the solution has been described in connection with thetreatment of human and livestock waste in various applications, itshould be appreciated that the solution is effective for the treatmentof other forms of organic waste in various applications, such as greasepits and other non-human animal waste.

[0026] A preferred system for using the solution in a portable restroomapplication is illustrated in FIG. 1. The restroom includes an enclosure10, a waste storage tank 12 having an opening 14, and a vent tube 16.The bottom of the vent tube 16 opens into the tank 12, while the top ofthe vent tube 16 opens to the outside atmosphere above the enclosure 10.The restroom also includes a urinal 18 with a tube 20 that allows urineto drain from the urinal 18 into the tank 12.

[0027] A toilet seat 22 is mounted above the opening 14 of the tank 12.The seat is provided with a shutter device 24. The shutter device 24 ismounted immediately beneath a toilet seat 22 and above the tank 12. Theshutter device 24 has a structure similar to that of a camera shutter,including a plurality of slidably interconnected panels 26 arranged in asingle helix. The panels 26 are controlled by a spring-loaded lever andpin combination 28. When no one is sitting on the toilet seat 22, thelever/pin combination 28 is biased by the spring in an upward positionand holds the panels 26 in a closed position. However, the force of anindividual sitting down on the seat 22 overcomes the spring forceholding the lever/pin combination 28 in the closed position, forcing thepin and lever downward. The lever/pin combination 28 opens the panels 26so the tank 12 is open to the toilet seat 22. Once the individual standsup the lever/pin combination 28 immediately moves upward due to thespring biasing and back to the closed position, thereby closing thepanels 26. The shutter device 24 reduces the release of odiferous gassesfrom the tank as well as providing a more appealing environment forusers.

[0028] A fan 30 is mounted at the top end of the vent tube 16. The fan30 is powered by a solar generator 32. In a preferred embodiment, thesolar generator 32 is connected to a rechargeable battery 34. In thisembodiment, a 5 watt solar generator and a 44 cfm fan that consumesapproximately 2.6 watts is used. The excess generating by the solargenerator is stored by the battery, thereby providing a power source forthe fan during those times when the solar generator is inoperable. Thefan 30 operates to help remove odiferous gasses from the enclosure 10and increases the available oxygen for aerobic organisms in the wasteand may speed up the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen at thesurface interface of the waste.

[0029] It should be understood that the solution in the abovedescription encompasses embodiments that may include unspecified traceelements that are generally found in typical water sources.

[0030] Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limitedto the specific steps and apparatus shown and described but departuresmay be made therefrom within the scope of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention and without sacrificingthe chief advantages.

What is claimed is:
 1. An odor control product for treating digestibleand odiferous organic waste to minimize odors, including adipic acid,alcohol, and water.
 2. An odor control product for treating digestibleand odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 1,further including eucalyptus oil.
 3. An odor control product fortreating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as setforth in claim 1, wherein the product includes about 12.5% adipic acid,about 70% alcohol, and the remainder water.
 4. An odor control productfor treating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors asset forth in claim 2, wherein the product includes about 12.5% adipicacid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainderwater.
 5. An odor control product for treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 1, wherein thewater is distilled.
 6. An odor control product for treating digestibleand odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 1,wherein the water is de-ionized.
 7. An odor control product for treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 2, wherein the product includes from about 10% to about 15% adipicacid, from about 65% to 75% alcohol, from about 0.25% to 2% eucalyptusoil, and the remainder water.
 8. An odor control product for treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the alcohol is ethanol alcohol.
 9. An odor controlproduct for treating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimizeodors as set forth in claim 1, further including vegetable oil.
 10. Anodor control product for treating digestible and odiferous organic wasteto minimize odors as set forth in claim 9, wherein the vegetable oil iscorn oil.
 11. An odor control product for treating digestible andodiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 9,further including eucalyptus oil.
 12. An odor control product fortreating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as setforth in claim 9, wherein the odor control product is filtered afterblending to remove particles larger than approximately one micron insize.
 13. An odor control product for treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 9, wherein theproduct includes about 12.5% adipic acid, about 9% alcohol, about 17%vegetable oil, and the remainder water.
 14. An odor control product fortreating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as setforth in claim 11, wherein the product includes about 12.5% adipic acid,about 9% alcohol, about 17% vegetable oil, about 0.2% eucalyptus oil,and the remainder water.
 15. An odor control product for treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 11, wherein the product includes from about 10% to about 15%adipic acid, from about 7% to 12% alcohol, from about 15% to 20%vegetable oil, from about 0.1% to 2% eucalyptus oil, and the remainderwater.
 16. A method of treating digestible and odiferous organic wasteto minimize odors including the steps of: preparing a solution of adipicacid, alcohol, and water; and introducing the solution to the waste. 17.A method of treating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimizeodors as set forth in claim 16, wherein the step of preparing a solutionincludes using eucalyptus oil in the solution.
 18. A method of treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 16, wherein the step of preparing a solution includes using amixture of about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, and the remainderwater.
 19. A method of treating digestible and odiferous organic wasteto minimize odors as set forth in claim 17, wherein the step ofpreparing a solution includes using a mixture of about 12.5% adipicacid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainderwater.
 20. A method of treating digestible and odiferous organic wasteto minimize odors as set forth in claim 17, wherein the step ofpreparing a solution includes using a mixture of from about 10% to about15% adipic acid, from about 65% to 75% alcohol, from about 0.25% to 2%eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 21. A method of treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 16, wherein the step of preparing a solution includes usingvegetable oil in the solution.
 22. A method of treating digestible andodiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 21,wherein the step of preparing a solution includes using eucalyptus oilin the solution.
 23. A method of treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 21, wherein thestep of preparing a solution includes using a mixture of about 12.5%adipic acid, about 9% alcohol, about 17% vegetable oil, and theremainder water.
 24. A method of treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 22, wherein thestep of preparing a solution includes using a mixture of about 12.5%adipic acid, about 9% alcohol, about 17% vegetable oil, about 0.2%eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 25. A method of treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 22, wherein the step of preparing a solution includes using amixture of from about 10% to about 15% adipic acid, from about 7% to 12%alcohol, from about 15% to 20% vegetable oil, from about 0.1% to 2%eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 26. A method of treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 21, further including the step of filtering the solution to removeparticles larger than approximately one micron in size.
 27. A method oftreating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odorsincluding the steps of: preparing a solution of adipic acid, alcohol,and water; introducing the solution into a container; and adding theorganic waste into the container.
 28. A method of treating digestibleand odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 27,wherein the step of preparing a solution includes using eucalyptus oilin the solution.
 29. A method of treating digestible and odiferousorganic waste to minimize odors as set forth in claim 27, wherein thestep of preparing a solution includes using a mixture of about 12.5%adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, and the remainder water.
 30. A method oftreating digestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as setforth in claim 28, wherein the step of preparing a solution includesusing a mixture of about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, about0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 31. A method of treatingdigestible and odiferous organic waste to minimize odors as set forth inclaim 28, wherein the step of preparing a solution includes using amixture of from about 10% to about 15% adipic acid, from about 65% to75% alcohol, from about 0.25% to 2% eucalyptus oil, and the remainderwater.
 32. The use of adipic acid to control odors from digestible andodiferous organic waste.
 33. The use as set forth in claim 32, whereinthe adipic acid is in a solution that includes adipic acid, alcohol, andwater.
 34. The use as set forth in claim 33, wherein the solutionfurther includes eucalyptus oil.
 35. The use as set forth in claim 33,wherein the solution includes about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70%alcohol, and the remainder water.
 36. The use as set forth in claim 34,wherein the solution includes about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70%alcohol, about 0.5% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 37. The useas set forth in claim 33, wherein the water is distilled.
 38. The use asset forth in claim 33, wherein the water is de-ionized.
 39. The use asset forth in claim 34, wherein the solution includes from about 10% toabout 15% adipic acid, from about 65% to 75% alcohol, from about 0.25%to 2% eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water.
 40. The use as set forthin claim 33, wherein the alcohol is ethanol alcohol.
 41. The use as setforth in claim 32, wherein the adipic acid is incorporated into acrystallized urinal block.
 42. The use as set forth in claim 32, whereinthe solution further includes vegetable oil.
 43. An odor control systemin a portable restroom facility having an enclosure, a waste storagetank with an opening therein, toilet set mounted above the opening, anda vent tube, the odor control system including: an odor control productincluding about 12.5% adipic acid, about 70% alcohol, about 0.5%eucalyptus oil, and the remainder water which is introduced into thewaste storage tank; a toilet seat shutter device located between thetoilet seat and the waste storage tank opening including: a shutterpanel composed of a plurality of panels mounted slideably relative toone another; a lever communicating with said shutter panel to open andclose said panels; a pin pivotably connected with the lever andpositioned beneath the toilet seat; a spring biasing the pin in anupward position, wherein the weight of a user on the toilet seat forcesthe pin downward, pivoting the lever and opening the panels; and aventilation system including: a solar powered generator; a fan mountedwithin the vent tube; and a rechargeable battery in communication withthe fan and the solar powered generator.